1940day.year
Adolf Hitler goes on a three-hour tour of the architecture of Paris with architect Albert Speer and sculptor Arno Breker in his only visit to the city.
In 1940, Adolf Hitler made his only visit to Paris, spending three hours touring the city’s architectural landmarks with Albert Speer and Arno Breker.
On June 23, 1940, Adolf Hitler visited Paris for the only time during World War II, embarking on a three-hour architectural tour of the city.
Accompanied by his chief architect Albert Speer and sculptor Arno Breker, he surveyed historic monuments and public buildings.
The excursion was intended to highlight the grandeur of French architecture under the duress of occupation.
Although the city was under German control, Hitler’s itinerary showcased cultural pride rather than military inspection.
Photographs from the tour became iconic representations of the tense blend of art and power during wartime.
This brief visit remains a singular episode in Paris’s history of occupation.
1940
architecture of Paris
Albert Speer
Arno Breker